The Steward

The well dressed man raises his hand to place a bid and quickly the rest of the crowd lose interest in bidding further. You guess that no one wants to upset the noble by driving up the price. You can see that the auctioneer is a little put out by you being sold for such low price, but he quickly smiles. "An excellent purchase, m'lord, you clearly have an eye for good value." The noble nods his head, acknowledging the grovelling before snapping his fingers.

The auctioneer gives you a shove "Get moving then, don't keep your new master waiting." You move as quickly as you can through the crowd towards the steward. As you approach you are quickly flanked by two armed guards who make it clear you are not to stand any closer. The steward looks you over critically.

"Do you have a name, boy?" he asks.

"Eric" you mumble quietly, a little intimidated. You look over at the guards, nervously eyeing their weapons.

"You will address me as my lord" snaps the steward.

"Sorry, m'lord" you stammer.

"I think we'll start you off in the stables. If you can prove you can follow orders, I may have other duties for you."

You are marched to the large castle that dominates the settlement and left at the stables in the courtyard with the stable master, a young man, shy of his 30s.